Cervical Cancer Treatment

Typically, treatment for cervical cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The type or types of treatment your healthcare provider recommends will depend on a number of factors, including your age, the size of the tumor, and the stage of your cervical cancer. It is important to consult with different people (including members of your family and healthcare team), and possibly get a second opinion, before starting your treatment.

An Overview of Cervical Cancer Treatment

There are many different types of cervical cancer treatment, which vary depending on the type of cervical cancer that a person has. Factors that may influence treatment options include:
 
  • The stage of the cancer (see Stages of Cervical Cancer)
  • The size of the tumor
  • The patient's desire to have children
  • The patient's age.
 
In general, treatment options include:
 
  • Surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation therapy.
 
Choosing the most appropriate treatment is a decision that ideally involves the patient, her family, and the healthcare team.
 

Remembering Questions and Answers

Although many women with cervical cancer want to take an active part in making decisions about their medical care, the shock and stress of a cervical cancer diagnosis can make it hard to think of everything to ask the doctor. Therefore, patients may want to make a list of questions before their appointment with the doctor.
 

Healthcare Providers Who Treat Cervical Cancer

There are usually several healthcare providers involved in a person's cervical cancer treatment. Doctors may refer patients to a cervical cancer specialist, or patients may ask for a referral. Specialists who treat cervical cancer include:
 
  • Gynecologists
  • Gynecologic oncologists
  • Medical oncologists
  • Radiation oncologists.
 
Cervical Cancer Treatment Article Continues on Next Page >
Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
 
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